Have you been charged with possessing a gun as a convicted felon in Cincinnati, OH? People who are convicted of a felony understand all too well how a felony conviction can affect them for the rest of their lives. Even after serving jail time, you may be faced with a loss of certain rights. Depending on the underlying conviction, one of those rights is the right to own a gun.
If you are charged with possessing a gun as a convicted felon in Ohio, you may face serious penalties. A Cincinnati gun rights lawyer at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers can help you avoid a criminal conviction. Our attorneys will explain the gun laws and how they relate to you.
Contact our law office at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer today.
How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You Are Caught With A Gun As A Convicted Felon in Cincinnati
The legal team at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers is an invaluable asset for anyone charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. These are not minor charges, and you need a lawyer who understands how these cases typically progress.
Our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers. We have a 10.0 Avvo rating from our previous satisfied clients. Our team has earned these recognitions in our over 100 years of collective experience.
If you hire our legal team to protect you from felon in possession of a firearm charge, we will:
- Explain the law and potential penalties
- Walk you through the criminal court process
- Review the evidence and conduct an independent investigation
- File a bond motion and other pretrial motions
- Represent you at every court hearing
- Build a strong defense
- Negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf
- Represent you during the trial
If you are ultimately convicted, we will argue for a lenient sentence. When you are facing serious charges in Cincinnati, Ohio, you need a serious lawyer on your side. Call us to schedule a free consultation with a Cincinnati weapons charges lawyer today.
Convicted Felon Gun Laws In Ohio
Under Ohio law, many people convicted of a felony will lose the right to possess a gun. However, the law only applies to people with certain underlying felony convictions. This includes people previously convicted of:
- Violent felonies, OR
- Felony distribution, use, sale, possession, trafficking, or administration of drugs.
It also applies to people who have an outstanding warrant or are indicted with a qualifying felony, even if they haven’t been convicted yet.
Some people may qualify to have their right to possess a firearm reinstated if they petition the court. If you plan to petition the court to restore your gun rights, you will need help from a lawyer, as it is far from guaranteed.
What Are The Penalties For A Felon In Possession Of A Firearm?
Felony possession of a gun is serious. It is a Class Three felony and carries the following potential penalties:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Maximum $10,000 fine
Furthermore, the police will seize the gun and all related materials. You would face even higher penalties if convicted of other related crimes.
Additionally, there will be further collateral consequences for the conviction, especially since it is a weapons offense. Many employers and landlords look unfavorably at people who have felony convictions, particularly those involving guns. The effect of a new felony conviction will compound your previous convictions.
What Are The Defenses To Felon In Possession Of A Firearm Charges?
Luckily, there are several viable defenses to felon in possession of a firearm charges. These defenses include:
- Insufficient evidence
- Lack of knowledge or intent
- Disqualifying underlying felony charge
- Improper search or seizure
- Restoration of rights
In every felon in possession of a firearm case, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant had a qualifying felony conviction and possessed the gun. This can be more difficult than it sounds. Sometimes, people have out-of-state convictions that may not qualify under the statute.
Furthermore, sometimes, people are in the vicinity of firearms without possessing them. For example, if you are living with roommates who may own guns, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you know about the gun or have the requisite intent or knowledge.
The prosecutors must prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a heavy burden and an experienced Ohio criminal defense attorney will hold them to it.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyer
You should expect that Ohio prosecutors will take your felon in possession of a firearm charge seriously. The best way to protect yourself is to hire a Cincinnati criminal defense lawyer at the beginning of your case.
A lawyer can help you through every stage of the criminal process whether it is helping you get out of jail pending trial or fighting to get the charges dropped. There is nothing more important than your freedom. Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to talk with an experienced advocate during a free consultation today.
